Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
